In the Consumer Driven World of employee benefits this announcement is an earthquake! The merger creates one of the largest administrative support organizations for employee benefits in the US by combining forces of participants (now 7 million) and technology strengths. Those of us who use Lighthouse1 will benefit greatly from the enhanced future services. Evolution Benefits is a pioneer in the debit card delivery services by paying the provider directly using their “Benny Card”. The Benny Card is noted for its data links to many pharmacy benefit managers and carriers. They recently merged with Bemis software which is another provider of Consumer Driven Administration software.

Here is a letter from the CEO of Lighthouse1 to LH1 partners today.

“Today we announced that Evolution Benefits and Lighthouse1 are merging to create Evolution1. It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we welcome you to Evolution1 as a valued Partner. The merger of Evolution Benefits and Lighthouse1 creates a powerful force for shaping the future of next generation healthcare technology and services. Our innovative products will further our leadership position in a rapidly changing healthcare market. We support a singular mission: To Simplify the Business of Healthcare

Our shared commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare technology solutions and services with passion for Partner growth and success, dedication to service, and spirit of innovation will continue to support your business success now and in the future. Evolution1 will immediately serve over seven million consumers and 50,000 employers. We hope you feel the same excitement and opportunity as we do from the union of Evolution Benefits and Lighthouse1.

Evolution1 provides the opportunity to strengthen, broaden and enhance the technologies you know, while being assured your current investments are secure. To ensure that your healthcare technology solution gives you what you need to succeed, we will provide you tools, products and support to update and enhance your solution both now and as your business needs evolve. This includes ongoing development and continued enhancements for your current solution.” Jeff Young, CEO of Evolution1

Some earthquakes are good and this one is a “benefit” to our future and those of the joint customers in Evolution and Lighthouse1 platforms.